Jerusalem Artichoke

What you'll need:

A sunny spot in your garden or a large container if you're short on space

Well-draining soil (they aren’t too picky but prefer loose, sandy soil)

A spade or shovel for digging

• Jerusalem artichoke tubers (you can find these at garden centers, farmers' markets, or even online)

When to start:

Jerusalem artichokes are tough plants and love cool weather! The best time to plant them is in early spring when the soil has thawed but is still cool—around late March to early April works well in most regions. If you live in a warmer climate, you can plant them in fall as well.

Choosing the right spot:

These plants need plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours a day. They also grow tall (up to 10 feet!), so make sure they have enough room to spread out without shading other plants. If planting in a garden bed, give each tuber about 12-18 inches of space.

Fun tip:
Because they grow so tall, consider planting them along a fence or wall where they won’t block other plants.

1. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil with a spade or fork, breaking up any clumps. Jerusalem artichokes don’t need rich soil, but good drainage is important. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some sand or compost to lighten it.
2. Planting the tubers:
   • Dig a trench about 4-6 inches deep.
   • Place the tubers in the trench with the "eyes" (little buds) facing up.
   • Space them around 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow.
   • Cover the tubers with soil and water gently but thoroughly.
3. If using containers: Use a large pot (at least 5 gallons), fill it with loose, well-draining soil, and plant the tubers the same way—about 4-6 inches deep. Make sure the container has drainage holes.

Pro-tip: Don’t plant too many tubers at once. Jerusalem artichokes can spread quickly and become invasive if not managed properly!

Watering:

• Once planted, keep the soil moist but not soggy. After the plants are established, they’re quite drought-tolerant, so you only need to water during long dry spells.
• Check the soil every few days; if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing:

• You don’t need to fertilize much. These plants are pretty self-sufficient and can thrive in poor soils. However, if you want to give them a little boost, use a balanced fertilizer sparingly once or twice during the growing season.

Weeding and support:

• Keep the area around your plants weed-free, especially when they’re young. Once they grow taller, their thick foliage will shade out most weeds.
• Since they grow so tall, they might need support. Consider staking them or tying them loosely to a trellis or fence to prevent them from falling over in strong winds.

Pest control:

• Fortunately, pests rarely bother Jerusalem artichokes. However, slugs and snails might nibble on young leaves, so keep an eye out for slime trails. If you notice them, remove them by hand or use organic slug repellents.

Tip: As they grow, prune back any overcrowded stems to encourage air circulation and healthier growth.

When to harvest:

• Jerusalem artichokes are ready to harvest in late fall or early winter, after the first frost. The frost actually sweetens the tubers, making them tastier.
• You can dig them up anytime from October through March, depending on your climate.

How to harvest:

• Use a garden fork or spade to carefully loosen the soil around the base of the plant.
• Gently pull up the entire plant to reveal the tubers buried underneath.
• Be careful not to damage the tubers while digging them up.

Storing Jerusalem artichokes:

• Once harvested, store them in a cool, dark place like a root cellar or basement. They’ll last several weeks if kept cool and dry.
• You can also leave some tubers in the ground to regrow next year, but be mindful that they can spread easily!

Cooking tip: Scrub them clean, then roast, boil, or slice them thinly for salads. Their nutty, earthy flavor is delicious!

Q: Do Jerusalem artichokes need full sun?
A: Yes, they grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Just make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best yield.

Q: Can I grow them in containers?
A: Absolutely! Use a large container (at least 5 gallons) with good drainage. Make sure the container gets plenty of sunlight and water regularly.

Q: Are they invasive?
A: They can be! Jerusalem artichokes spread through tubers, so unless you harvest all of them, new plants may pop up the following year. To manage this, consider growing them in a contained area or raised bed.

Q: What should I do if the plants get too tall?
A: If the plants grow too tall and start to lean, stake them or tie them to a support like a fence. Prune back overly dense stems to reduce weight and improve airflow.

Q: Can I eat the leaves or flowers?
A: While the tubers are the main edible part, the leaves and flowers are safe to use in teas or as garnishes. However, they’re not commonly eaten raw.